THE STATE GUARD

THE STATE GUARD
SPRING 2009
SENTINEL
NY GUARD — FULLY TRAINED, READY TO RESPOND NO. 6
NEW MISSION STATEMENT
“The New York Guard provides augmentation and support to the
New York military forces within the state of New York in order to enhance
the overall capabilities of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.”
NYARNG Sgt. 1ST Class Steve Swiderski, 69th Inf., and Sgt. 1ST Class Michael Milton, 14th Bde., OPFOR exercise.
PHOTO BY: PV2 Ubon Mendie, HQ, NY Guard
Page 2 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
COMMANDER’S CORNER
by BG Fergal Foley, NY Guard Commanding General
who know the territory – the New gral role in this development. Col.
York Guard. I will tell you, the New Warnecke, NYARNG RTI com-
York Guard’s outstanding perform- mander, is looking forward to working
ance during JTF RNC 04 opened a with us and sharing resources to im-
lot of eyes. prove training.
When Maj. Gen. Taluto asked me
to come on board last August, there
were discussions at higher levels of PERSONNEL
what the New York Guard’s role
should be in the future. Fortunately, We’ve released a new Table of
Service Value Reports (SVR) showed Distribution and Allowances that
the administration the relevance of more accurately reflects our man-
the New York Guard in the years power and mission. With our new
since JTF RNC 04. It is a natural fit TDA in place, there will be changes
for the New York Guard to augment made in terms of promotions and as-
the Joint Task Forces. signments. In the officer ranks, I am
taking the promotion freeze off, with
priority given to our lower ranking
COMMANDERS CONFERENCE NCO’s officers, As for assignments, in the
NOTES next year we will have an 80% swap
The non-commissioned-officers out of brigade commanders and
MISSION: corps is the backbone of the Guard. group leaders.
Just as in the regular Army, the New This is long overdue, but it is by no
Our new mission statement, “The York Guard’s strength on the ground means negative in nature. It is impor-
New York Guard provides augmenta- begins with its NCO Corps. I’ve tant to bring back field experience to
tion and support to the New York mili- brought in Command Sgt. Maj. headquarters as well as providing
tary Forces” reflects who we are: a James Harter, a combat veteran with opportunities for staff to be in the field
relevant, mission-ready augmentation long experience who I worked with in to share and enhance their experi-
force for the National Guard. the 107th Corp Support Group, ence.
As deputy commander for the 2004 NYARNG, to maintain and raise the All of these changes, all of these
Republican National Convention Joint levels of professionalism in our NCO improvements on existing strengths,
Task Force, we were faced with Corps that I have witnessed over the are for one purpose: to increase our
some very serious and challenging past several years. There were many readiness. Readiness makes us rele-
contingency planning. times when I was Camp Smith Facil- vant, we need to be ready at all
With the president, vice president, ity Manager that I would see sharp times.
the cabinet, leaders of congress, and New York Guard enlisted troops led My objective as New York Guard
virtually every Republican party by squared away NCOs and I thought commander is simple. I don’t want
leader in the country would be in one “are those soldiers National Guard”? I anyone to challenge our relevance
central location (Madison Square was corrected: “No sir, that’s the New ever again.
Garden) simultaneously. The ques- York Guard”. The first time that hap-
tion arose: should an attack occur, pened – and it happened many times
how would we keep operations going – I knew the New York Guard had
2009
since units such as the 42ndInfantry changed.
Division were deployed? ANNUAL TRAINING
Where would the additional forces
for round the clock operations come TRAINING SCHOOL WEEK
from? At Northern Command, there
was discussion of bringing in an ac- I am working with my staff to in- 19-25 July
tive duty Army unit, such as the crease our readiness, because
82nd Airborne, to augment our Na- READINESS = RELEVANCE. I think Camp Smith
tional Guard. we do incredible training with limited
I told the commander: why bring in resources. We will continue to ramp Initial Entry Training
troops who don’t know the city, don’t up our training now that our mission Company Grade Officers Course
know the subway system? We have statement has been defined. The Basic NCO Course
augmenter capable troops right here New York Guard RTI will play an inte-
SPRING 2009 The State Guard Sentinel Page 3
CSM REPORT
By Command Sergeant Major James Harter
Our commander has great re- There are many changes to come MILITARY BIO
spect for the non-commissioned- for the NY Guard, changes that will
officers corps. He loves NCOs, he further our alignment with the National CSM JAMES HARTER
trusts us. I know that the NCO corps Guard as an augmentation force. I
of the NY Guard will continue to earn think these changes will all be for the
1969 - Enlisted in USMC , served ’69
that trust. As NCOs it is our primary better, change is good, change is an
– ’71 Infantry, 1 year in Vietnam
duty to maintain, and raise, high stan- opportunity.
dards of professionalism and military This summer’s annual training will
bearing. It is our job to do our job, so not be a combined forces exercise, 1974 - Enlisted in NY Army National
that the officers can do theirs. our brigades will be conducting differ- Guard, 1st Bn, 210th Armor, Albany
I’m a pretty straight forward guy, ent missions throughout the state, in
for enlisted and NCOs my door is al- addition to the School Week courses 1974 - 1992 - 1st Bn, 210th Armor –
ways open. If it’s closed, open it. If at Camp Smith. I will do all I can to be Held numerous NCO positions
you’ve got something to say to me, go available to you during AT. The CG is
ahead, I want to hear it. Keep in mind a firm believer in getting out into the 1992 - 1997 - Sgt. Major NYARNG
though, for NCOs there is no open field to see everyone, and we will both State HQ Operations & Training
door policy with our Commanding be paying visits to all the brigades.
General. Bring your issues to me and Keep focused on your training, 1997 - 2004 - CSM 56th Personnel
I will address them with the Com- your mission readiness. The NY Svs.,1st Bn, 53rd Trp Command, &
manding General. Guard has had many successes over 101st Sig Bn, MPs CSM 3rd Bn, 142
If there is something you need the past few years, all of which have Aviation (Blackhawk Bn) CSM
done to help you better train and take brought us to this point: our new iden- 107th Core Support Group under com-
care of your troops, if I can do it within tity as a total augmentation force for mand of Colonel Fergal Foley
the regulations, I will. It’s not easy to the National Guard. Our NCO Corps
find dedicated troops willing to do can take great pride in those suc- 2005 - Retired NYARNG
what we do for free. I will do all I can cesses, but now is not the time to rest
to help you keep those troops moti- on our laurels. Keep raising the stan- 2008 - Enlisted in NY Guard, named
vated and ready, and to help you find dards of professionalism, keep the NY CSM by BG Foley
more like them. Guard moving forward.
BRIG. GEN. FOLEY
SWEARING IN CAPT. DELL
Brig. Gen. Fergal Foley, NY Guard Commander, conducts
the swearing in of Capt. Joseph Dell, DDS into the 56th
Bde., NY Guard at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New-
burgh, NY on 10 JAN 2009. This was Foley's first swearing
in of a NY Guard officer since taking the command. Capt.
Dell was immediately put to work conducting dental exams
for personnel of the 105th Airlift Wing, NYAG. The 56th Bde.,
NY Guard regularly provides augmentation and assistance
to the 105th Air Wing.
PHOTO BY: Sgt. Chris Ferraro, HHD, 56th Bde., NYG
THE NY STATE RECRUITMENT MEDAL — Got yours?
The Recruiting Medal may be awarded to any member of
the New York State Organized Militia who obtains three new
members for any unit of the organized militia.
Page 4 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
THE 14TH BRIGADE BRINGS THE FIGHT
TO THE FIGHTING 69TH
By PV2 Ubon Mendie, HQ, Staff Sgt. Dave Konig, HQ, Staff Sgt. Paul Rosa, 14th Bde.
Camp Smith, Cortlandt Manor, NY –
Over two weekends in February and
March soldiers from the 14th Brigade,
NY Guard assisted Bravo Company,
1st Battalion, “Fighting” 69th Infantry
Division in readiness training exer-
cises at Camp Smith. The training
was conducted to prepare Bravo Co.
for validation in Platoon Tasks.
Serving as an opposition force
(OPFOR) , the 14th’s Task Force 14-
09 “brought the fight,” during simu-
lated infantry attacks on Military Op-
eration on Urban Terrain structures
and in the field, helping the 69th hone
their tactical skills. The use of TF 14-
09 members allowed the
69th Infantry’s junior leaders to deploy
and lead full squad and platoon size
elements in a realistic exercise envi-
ronment.
“We are out here today by request
of the National Guard,” said Capt. Pe-
ter Giakoumis, the company com- One team — One Fight PHOTO by PV2, Ubon Mendie
mander of Company Alpha, 1/71st,
14th BDE, NY Guard. “We are freeing Sgt. Frank Tooker, who led the days’ 1st squad immediately after the battle.
up National Guard soldiers who would training. “It doesn’t usually get this intense be-
ordinarily simulate the OPFOR troops. The 14th Brigade troops were cause the opposition is generally fo-
This way the 69th can focus on their asked back for March’s exercise, an cused on strategy and implementa-
training maneuvers and they don’t assault on a mountain top in a wood- tion, just like we are.”
have to split up their assets.” land environment. A bleacher training Sgt. 1st Class Steve Swiderski, a
February’s drill focused on the area was transformed into an OPFOR 69th platoon leader, was grateful for
MOUT site. With the NY Guard as an base camp, dubbed “Corrigedor”. the NY Guard support; “Our guys are
“enemy” force, the 69th assaulted the Led by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Mil- used to Iraq, where you’re either in
locations, drilling in door breaching ton, the NY Guard troops fortified the convoys, cities, or farmland. It’s been
and room clearing maneuvers. It was area’s perimeter, setting up trip wires a while since they’ve moved through
full-circle for the NY Guard; the 1/102 and other lethal deterrents. Two NY wooded terrain, so it’s been a real
Engineers Battalion, 10th Brigade, built Guard soldiers were placed at a sec- plus for this training to have them all
the Camp Smith MOUT structures the ond location, acting as snipers ton out in the field. The NY Guard was
69th was training on. enhance a leadership reaction test to outstanding, they did much more than
“For me, this is a dream come see how the approaching platoons we expected. A lot of the NY Guard
true,” explained the 14th’s PV2 Ray- would react to sniper fire. have been in combat themselves, so
mond Gallagher .“The 69th is legen- The first few hours were quiet for they brought a realistic intensity to the
dary. These guys are much younger the opposition forces as the National simulation.”
than me, and they are putting them- Guard soldiers worked their way NY Guardsmen were free to use
selves in harms way,” the 54-year-old stealthily through the wooded training any necessary measure to stop the
Gallagher added. “This is why I signed area. Suddenly, without warning, re- infantry. This was perfect for Staff Sgt.
up– to help support their force.” cognizance soldiers were spotted, Steven C. Milito, 14th BDE team
Without the NY Guard the 69th spurring the command of fire. A fire- leader and US Army veteran. “The
would be forced to split their re- fight broke out as the 69th troops harder we make it for them, the better
sources to facilitate the good guy, bad fought their way towards the OPFOR they will become,” he said. “It’s easier
guy scenario. base and seized their objective. to correct the game plan before you
“If I didn’t have the Guard here, “The NY Guard were great,” said get down range. As long as we are
our training time would have been cut National Guard Sgt. Franklin Veliz, needed, we will be here; we will give
by at least a third,” proclaimed 1st Alpha Company’s team leader of the them our best.”
SPRING 2009 The State Guard Sentinel Page 5
14TH BDE. SUPPORTS THE FIGHTING 69TH
Bravo Co. soldier assaults OPFOR position Bravo Co. makes their move
Sgt. 1st Class Hodge, 1st Sgt. Tooker MOUT site attack OPFOR soldier in the field
All photos by PV2 Ubon Mendie
Bravo Co., 1st Bn, 69th ID on maneuvers High value target captured
Page 6 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
THE DOCTORS ARE IN:
By Staff Sgt. Dave Konig, HQ
The NY Guard makes house calls. trained in
While most doctors, surgeons, and Critical Inci-
psychologists in New York spend their dent Stress
weekends on the links honing their Management
golf game, the men and women of the (CISM). At
NY Guard’s 244th Medical Clinic are the March
packing up their stethoscopes and SRP for units
hitting the road to make house calls of the
throughout the state for some very 53rd Troop
special patients: mobilizing and demo- Command at
bilizing soldiers of the NY National Camp Smith,
Guard. MEDCOM
Since September of last year, the Commander
medical personnel of the 244th have Col. Donald
been attached to the NY National Britten re-
Guard Medical Command, working flected on
free of charge at least one weekend a the value of Warrant Officer 1 James Goodman Jr. , 244th Med. Clinic, ex-
month, providing medical, dental, and the N Y amines deploying NYARNG soldier.
psychological care to thousands of Guard. Photo By Staff Sgt. Dave Konig, HQ
deploying and returning National “ W e
Guard soldiers at Soldier Readiness couldn’t do this, process our soldiers, nel for soldier and family assistance at
Processing (SRPs) and Reintegration without the 244th Medical Clinic. To Reintegration programs throughout
programs. Each mission provides have the services of the NY Guard the state. The 244th’s Hershman,
medical services to anywhere from medical team is a tremendous plus for Capt. Michael Lonski (also a CISM
200 to 600 National Guard soldiers, us.” Britten’s appreciation of the NY trained psychologist), Maj. Ira Salom
with NY Guard and MEDCOM person- Guard dates back to his time as the (a physician) and Maj. Joseph
nel working side by side. state’s Homeland Defense and WMD McKeegan (a pharmacist) will work
“I am so proud of our doctors, Director, working with the Chemical, with MEDCOM to provide counseling
dentists, nurses,” enthused biological, nuclear explosives En- on topics such as family relations,
244th commander, Lt. Col. Allen hanced Response Force Package stress management, and substance
Hershman. “The medical care they team. “The NY Guard were integral to abuse. According to Hershman, these
provide the National Guard would cost that mission, just as they are integral missions bring their support to the
tens of thousands of dollars in the ci-to this one.” National Guard full circle.
vilian world. We do this free of charge Another old CERFP vet, Lt. Col. “We take care of the soldiers
every month, supporting MEDCOM. Peter Goetchus, now the Deputy when they deploy, and on their return.
It’s our part of the mission, and an State Surgeon for New York, was glad That’s the way it should be,”
important one.” In civilian life, to see the 244th at his SRP. “Always Hershman explained.
Hershman is a psychologist specially good to have the NY Guard here. The 244th provides full service
They’re putting medical care. At the February SRP,
in 12 and 14 while soldiers of the 53rd Troop Com-
hour shifts, in- mand were getting examined and hav-
credible effort.” ing their medical files updated inside
The 244th’s ef- the Camp Smith gym, out in the park-
forts have been ing lot the 244th’s Capt. Joel Bach-
so well received man, DDS, was filling a need – and a
by MEDCOM, tooth – in a state of the art mobile
they’ve been dental facility.
rewarded – with “It’s all about mission readiness,”
an expanded said Bachman. “I’m glad I have this
m i s s i o n . opportunity to use my skills to help
Throughout the accomplish that mission.” When
spring t h e Bachman’s patient in army combat
244th has been uniforms was asked which drill he pre-
assigned by ferred, his drill sergeant at boot camp
MEDCOM as or Bachman’s drill, he responded “no
Capt. Bachman, DDS, 244th Med. Clinic on the job.
Photo By Staff Sgt. Dave Konig, HQ the lead person- comment”.
SPRING 2009 The State Guard Sentinel Page 7
10th BDE SEARCH & RESCUE EXERCISE
By Maj. Dave Greenwood, 10th Brigade
For the 10th Brigade's Search and For realistic simulation, SAR
Rescue (SAR) team, finding lost Team Members signed in on arrival
campers in the difficult terrain of up- with Dept. of Environmental Conser-
state New York is not an exercise in vation paperwork, just as they would
the hypothetical. In the summer of in an operational search. Team mem-
2006, the 10th's SAR team was acti- bers were briefed on the mission and
vated for three weeks, augmenting the the exercise. Col. Farley operated the
National Guard and the Department of TOC with the assistance of his Bri-
Environmental Conservation search- gade staff. Brigade S3 training and
ing for a missing camper in the Indian operations officer, Col. Jamie Bly, co-
Lake region of the Adirondacks. ordinated mission operations.
In January, veterans of that his- After receiving standard medical,
toric mission continued training to mission, commo and safety briefings,
maintain readiness for future SAR the teams moved out for their SAR
missions. mission in single digit temperatures
On 24 January 2009 elements and freshly fallen powder. Commo
from the 10th Brigade's Headquarters assets were exercised to determine
Company, 1-2, and Forward Medical functionality, trouble shooting for any
Support Detachment and 1-3, drilled problems that could be fixed for future
in a SAR Functional Exercise (FE) at operational deployments.
the Leeds, NY Armory. Participating Close contact was kept through-
elements included units from Syra- out with the 1-2 Signal / Military
cuse, Utica, Leeds and Troy. The Emergency Radio Network (MERN)
exercise utilized the mountainside Company, led by Capt. John Mauro, Sgt 1st Class Joe Galizia, 10 Bde.
terrain adjacent to the Leeds armory. for operational communications during instructs Land Navigation
Exercise planning accommodated the exercise. PHOTO by Chief Warrant Officer Two
Joey Nickischer, 56th Bde.
several skill sets: SAR, communica- Meals were taken in the field, and
tions, medical & logistics medical and safety conditions were
and included Tactical Operations constantly monitored by the exercise dier was put through an individual,
Center (TOC) operation at the ar- safety officer, Sullivan, and the 2134 face to face medical and safety de-
mory. Exercise planners included FMSD staff. Medical planning and briefing. It was determined that the
Major John Neeley, Capt. Joe support was coordinated by 1st Lt. inclusion of command and control ele-
Sullivan and Sgt. 1st Class Joe Gal- Heidi Lohre, of the 2134 FMSD, and ments from brigade headquarters, the
izia. The Officer In Charge (OIC) for Sgt. 1st Class Joe Galizia, the NCOIC MERN task force, and medical sup-
the mission was 10th Brigade Com- for the 1-2. port detachment added realism to the
mander Col. Brian Farley. Following the exercise, each sol- exercise.
VISIT THE NY GUARD VIRTUAL PRESS ROOM
A virtual Press Room has been established on the NY
Guard recruitment website www.newyorkguard.org. Here is
the link:http://newyorkguard.org/Sentinel/press_room.htm
The Press Room archives media coverage of NY Guard
training and operations including back issues of the State
Guard Sentinel, articles about the NY Guard in Guard Times,
DMNA press releases and other media that tell the story of the
NEW New York Guard, "Fully Trained, Ready To Respond".
We will be improving and expanding the Press Room ongoing,
so check it periodically. Please forward the Press Room link to
anyone you know who is interested in enlisting in the NY
Guard!
If you have links to press coverage of the NY Guard you
would like to see added to the Press Room, please forward
them to Staff Sgt. Konig at: konigdave@aol.com Ernie Pyle 1900-1945,
American Combat Journalist
Page 8 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
NCO BUSINESS: AN OFFICER'S PERSPECTIVE
by Capt. Paul F. Kelly, NY Guard (SRL)
Upon taking command of the NY need; with the Grunts of an Infantry
Guard, BG Fergal Foley made a spe- Line Company.
cial point of emphasizing the important Sgt. 1st Class Sampson, was an
role of the Non Commissioned Officer inspiration to all of us; including both
(NCO) Corps: “The most important job junior and senior officers.
in the NY Guard is that of first line su- When the shooting started, the
pervisor. Sometimes we underutilize soldiers in our company, would look to
the NCO corps by not giving them the see how Sampson and other NCO's
responsibility and authority they have were reacting to the situation. Our
earned and deserve. NCOs consistently reacted calmly and
NCOs are the vital link in the chain professionally. When many soldiers
of command. We can only succeed in were understandably confused and soldiers in the 198th Light Infantry Bri-
our missions with an effective NCO frightened, our NCOs were always gade. I often think of him, a great
corps. thinking, watching and directing fire American soldier, a great NCO.
The general has it absolutely right. toward the enemy. For the past twenty eight years, I
I enlisted in The U.S. Army in At times of great stress, soldiers have been actively involved with our
1968. This was not a popular thing to need and want someone to be in local rescue service here on Long Is-
do during the most volatile years of the charge; some one who will tell them land. Whenever I find myself in a diffi-
Vietnam War. My strongest memories what to do, a person who will cult situation, I think of our Sgt. 1st
of my service with the 23rd Infantry in lead. Our NCO's back in 1960's and Class Sampson. I tell myself that, like
Vietnam are of the great NCO's I '70's, knew that they were the leaders him, during a crisis, I must keep think-
served with. One whom I will never and must lead! Soldiers, yesterday ing. I must focus. I must do my job, I
forget was Sergeant 1st and today, look to their NCOs for lead- must lead, or others will suffer. Lead-
Class Sampson. Sampson served in ership. ership is never easy.
WWII and Korea. Yes, he was an Sampson was seriously wounded The Non Commissioned Officer is
older soldier, especially for field duty in a night action back in 1969. I had the leader who must be available to
with an Infantry Unit. No, Sgt.1st the honor of carrying him off of the the enlisted men and women.
Class. Sampson did not have to be in field to the waiting "Dust I thank Brigadier General Foley for
the field. With his rank, and experi- Off" (Medivac Helicopter.) He was not his insight and understanding of the
ence, he could have found a way to be able to talk to us due to his multiple military and especially his appreciation
assigned to a nice "safe" job in wounds. All these years later he has for the leadership role of the NCO
the rear area. He chose to serve continued to set an example for me, Corps.
where his experience was in dire and I suspect, for many of the other
DMNA PUBLIC AFFAIRS WORKSHOP
On the weekend of 23 - 25 January, Farley, to task Greenwood with addi-
the NY Division of Military and Naval tional PAO duties. He served as a
Affairs held a Public Affairs workshop press liaison for the NY Guard during
in Saratoga, NY. The workshop was Annual Training 2008.
led by Eric Durr, DMNA Director of The DMNA Public Affairs office and
Public Affairs, and Lt. Col. Richard NY Guard Public Affairs Office work
Goldenberg, NYARNG, editor together to promote the NY Guard's
of Guard Times. duties as an augmentation force for
Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, NYARNG the NY National Guard.
Public Affairs Officer, gave a presenta- Increased coverage of NY Guard
tion on his Public Affairs duties on his training and missions in the Guard
recent tour of duty in the Afghanistan Times, DMNA press releases covering
combat theater. the NY Guard, and NY Guard PAO
The NY Guard was represented by augmentation of the NY National
Maj. Dave Greenwood, 10th Brigade. Guard Public Affairs Office (as exem-
Greenwood, the S-4 supplies and lo- plified in last May's Randall's Island
gistics officer for the 10th, has civil- joint forces exercise) are recent exam-
ian experience as a corporate writer ples of ongoing NY Guard - National
for GE Energy, which led the com- Guard joint Public Affairs initiatives.
mander of the 10th Brigade, Col.
SPRING 2009 The State Guard Sentinel Page 9
56th BDE SUPPORTS STEWART AIR BASE
By Sgt. Chris Ferraro, HHD, 56th Bde.
The 56th Bde. spent their January
drill providing legal, medical and logis-
tics support to NY Air National Guard
(NYAG) and the US Marine Corps
(USMC) troops at Stewart Air Base
Ten legal officers from the 5th Civil
Affairs (CA) Regiment, many of whom
are civil and corporate attorneys in
their civilian lives, performed a Legal
Services Operation (LSO) for the Ma-
rine Aviation Logistics Squadron
(MALS) 49 Detachment B. Over the
course of the day the 5th CA proc-
essed 30 Marines providing them with
legal documentation such as wills and
powers of attorney that are necessary
for such a unit to be deployed.
Lt. Col. Michael Stoughton, CO of
MALS 49 was thrilled with the NY
Guard’s assistance. “It’s awesome,
the 5th CA is self-sustaining, they
came in and gave us support and pro-
vided everything we’ve asked for.”
The one day LSO enabled MALS
49 to focus on their primary mission of Lt. Col. David Warager, 56th Bde helps a Marine from MALS 49 DET B.
PHOTO BY: Sgt. Chris Ferraro, HHD, 56th Bde, NYG
providing refueling services for Marine
helos via their squadron of C-130 air-
craft. makes this increasingly difficult. Joseph Dell, was hard at work provid-
“We have JAG services but not of Maj. Ray Mechman gave a brief ing dental examinations to airmen.
this kind on site,” Stoughton ex- power point presentation and lecture This was Dell’s first day in the NY
plained. “Something like this would covering the rights of the Marines un- Guard and a very special one as Brig.
have taken a few months to make der the Service Members Civil Relief Gen. Foley, the new NY Guard Com-
happen. There are zero JAGS as- Act (SCRA). The lecture proved use- manding General arrived to swear him
signed to a unit at this level.” ful to the Marines of MALS 49 as in.
Typically, any JAG services for more than half of them are reservists. Stewart Air National Guard Clinic
the Marines are provided by the Navy Across the base at the clinic the commanding officer Colonel Joseph
but the current operational tempo 56th Brigade’s newest officer, Capt. Deluca expressed gratitude for Dell’s
dental assistance. “A year ago we
were belly up, no dentists, and this
impacted the mission.” He told Foley
during his visit, “Your people and what
they do are incredible, the NY Guard
saves us a vast amount in expendi-
tures per year. We’re all squared
away, thanks to you.”
Soldiers from the 56th also
worked the chow line, serving food for
nearly five hundred Airmen and Ma-
rines over the course of the day. After
touring the base and conferring with
USMC and NYAG commanders Foley
was pleased with what he saw.
“The NY Guard is a unique force
enabler…[we] have an incredi-
ble team; we’re a shining light.”
Capt. Brian Kanner, 56th Bde, conducts a Legal Services Operation (LSO)
for airmen of the 105TH Airlift Wing, NYAG, Stewart Air Base.
PHOTO BY: SGT Chris Ferraro, HHD, 56th Bde, NYG
Page 10 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
7th CIVIL AFFAIRS REGIMENT
CHANGE OF COMMAND
By Public Affairs Staff
The 7th Civil Affairs Regiment, 88th
Brigade held a change of command
ceremony on 22 January, 2009 at the
Fort Hamilton Community Club in
Brooklyn's Fort Hamilton. Outgoing
commander Colonel Michael King
handed over command of the regiment
to Lt Col. Brian Cogan. King is retiring
this year from the NY Guard.
The 7th CA's "Lawyers in Uniform"
conduct Soldier Readiness Processing
legal operations for the National Guard
monthly at Fort Hamilton, providing
deploying National Guard soldiers with
wills, powers of attorney, and other
valuable legal services free of charge.
Before enlisting in the NY Guard,
Col. Michael King served in the US
Army with distinction for 35 years.
King enlisted in 1965, went through
Basic in Ft. Dix, graduated Officers
Candidate School in 1966; he was L to R: William Woods, FDNY Pipe Band (also Col. King's son in law),
awarded the parachute badge upon NYARNG Maj. Gen. Robert Rose, Lieut. Col. Michael King at the ceremony. .
Photo courtesy of Col King
completing Airborne school in Ft. Ben-
ning in 1971.
King is married with three children, Guard received its designation in 2001 the New York State Militia, which in
Nancy, a NY City school teacher, Mau- in honor of the first state militia unit to turn had been established in 1825
reen, a paralegal and pilot, and Mi- refer to itself as the National Guard. from prior units.
chael, a NY City Firefighter. That unit was formed from the 2nd On Bastille Day of that year, 1825,
The 7th Civil Affairs Regiment; NY Battalion, 2nd Regiment of Artillery of the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the
American Revolution, left New York
City for his return to France. To honor
him on his day of departure, the unit
adopted the name "National Guard" in
remembrance of the Garde National
de Paris, once commanded by Lafay-
ette during the early days of the
French Revolution.
This unit was reformed as the 7th
Regiment, New York National Guard in
1847. Its campaign credits include the
War of 1812, the Civil War, World War
I and World War II. Its present direct
descendant is the 107th Support
Group of the New York Army National
Guard.
Col. King (far left), and his bike, with fellow Vietnam Veterans at Vietnam
Memorial, Camp Smith AT 2008.
Photo by CPT George Lamboy
SPRING 2009 The State Guard Sentinel Page 11
TAPS
WE HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS,
AND FRIENDS OF THE NY GUARD
Marine Corps rifle platoon lieutenant the NY Guard's Army Division from
during the Korean War, was the author 1998 to 2004. He also served as CSM
of several books about the USMC, for the 12th Regimental Training Insti-
including the novels The Marine, The tute, the Army Division Chief Awards
Marines of Autumn, and Warning of NCO, and Chief Recruiting NCO.
War, and the non-fiction war mem- For many of the soldiers in the NY
oirs The Coldest War, The Scariest Guard who enlisted in the days follow-
Place in the World, and Why Marines ing the 9/11 attack in 2001, Foley
Fight. His last book, Hero of the was the first NCO they encountered in
Pacific: The Life of Legendary Marine the Guard. He always maintained the
John Basilone will be published in high military standards of a career
CW5 LAWRENCE ADAMS October. NCO, and was always available to
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lawrence Mr. Brady was an admirer of the NY encourage and train new soldiers. All
Adams passed away in February. He Guard, hailing it in private conversa- in the NY Guard express their condo-
was sixty six. Adams first enlisted in tions as "true reserve service". He is lences to his wife Mary Lou and the
the Army National Guard in 1962 and survived by his wife Florence, his entire Foley family.
continued to serve his country for an brother Monsignor Tom Brady (who
incredible 42 years. Upon retiring fromserved as the chaplain for the Fire De- ROBERT A. GRATE
the National Guard in 2004, Adams partment in Queens and Brooklyn for Bob Grate passed away in February
was commissioned in the NY Guard decades), and his daughters Fiona with his family by his side. He was 81.
and assigned to the G-1 shop at head- Mehling and author Susan Konig, and He was predeceased by his wife, Har-
quarters. He was a friend to all in thefour grand children. Susan is married riette, and survived by his son and
G-1 shop. to Staff Sgt Dave Konig, HHD, NY daughter-in-law, David and Mary-Ann
The NY Guard expresses it's condo- Guard. and grand-daughter Justine.
lences to his wife Sheila and his entire Bob was a US Army veteran of
family. CSM JACK FOLEY World War II and taught English to
Command Sergeant Major John P. Japanese businessmen for most of his
JAMES W. BRADY "Jack" Foley passed away in February life. Bob’s last month was spent hap-
Author and journalist James Brady in South Carolina. He was sixty five pily with fellow veterans at the Vet-
passed away in January at the age of years old. Before enlisting in the NY eran’s Home and Hospital in Mon-
eighty in Manhattan. Mr. Brady, who Guard, Foley served his country trose, NY. Bob’s son, David, an editor
was awarded the Bronze Star for valor for thirty years in the US Army Re- and publisher from Endicott is a pri-
for combat action as a United States serves. Foley served as the CSM for vate in the NY Guard.
JOIN THE NEW YORK GUARD
VOLUNTEER MILITARY SERVICE / AUGMENT THE NATIONAL GUARD
NO OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT
Prior military – and want to get back in the service?
Never served, and want to apply your civilian skills to the Homeland Defense mission?
The New York Guard needs you!
CONTACT MAJ. FREEDMAN OR CAPT. PIRO AT:
recruitment@newyorkguard.org
www. newyorkguard.org
Page 12 The State Guard Sentinel SPRING 2009
ARE YOU ON THE NYG RECRUIT BY E-MAIL!
EMAIL LIST?
We all get patriotic mass e-mails
Make sure all your soldiers stay sent to us everyday. If you like to
informed! Update Capt. Richard forward along pro-military mes-
Colety at HHD on your roster’s sages – what could be more patri-
email addresses. otic than a message saying “Here’s
how I spent part of my summer va-
cation” with a link to The State
SENTINEL FORMAT Guard Sentinel! Be proud of your
service!
CHANGE Let everyone know about the real
You might have noticed a slight world missions and training in the
difference in style in this issue of NY Guard.
the Sentinel. In keeping with the NY Print out a couple of copies and
Guard's new Mission Statement tack them up in the break room at
making "augmentation and support work. Your friends, relatives and
to the New York military forces" our coworkers might just be looking for
total responsibility, we are introduc- a way to serve.
THE STATE GUARD SENTINEL is ing some format changes in the LET THEM KNOW! The NEW
published quarterly. Views which Sentinel that will help align our pub- Recruitment Team at HQ are stand-
appear in this publication are not lication more closely with the Guard ing by to make sure YOU get the
necessarily those of the NY Division Times. credit you deserve for every recruit
of Military and Naval Affairs or the Beginning with this issue, ranks you bring in. It only takes three to
New York Guard. The NYG State will be spelled in accordance with get the New York State Recruiting
Soldier has a circulation of 800 and the Army stylebook used by the Medal!
is distributed free electronically to Guard Times (IE: "Sgt. 1st Class
members of the New York Guard. Jones" instead of "SFC Jones"),
and the use of "milspeak" and acro-
Governor David Paterson nyms will be kept to a minimum.
Commander In Chief This will, hopefully, serve two HOOAH! TO ALL WHO
Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto purposes: it will make it easier to CONTRIBUTED
The Adjutant General share coverage of NY Guard train-
Brig. Gen. Fergal Foley ing and missions with the Guard In addition to the PAO Staff, the
NYG Commander Times, and it will make the Sentinel following soldiers worked on this
Brig. Gen. Stephen Bucaria more readable for our friends, rela- issue:
NYG Deputy Commander tives, co-workers and other civilian
Capt. George Lamboy readers - including potential re- Maj. Dave Greenwood, 10th Bde.
NYG Public Affairs Officer cruits! As always, feel free to let us Maj. Ira Salom, 244th Med. Clinic
Staff Sgt. Dave Konig know what you think about this or Capt. Paul Kelly, SRL
NYG Chief Public Affairs NCO/ any other aspect of your State Capt. Peter LeBeau, 88th Bde.
Editor-in-Chief Guard Sentinel by dropping the edi- 1st Lt. Don Odom, 56th Bde.
PV2 David R. Grate Staff Sgt. Paul Rosa, 14th Bde.
tor a line at: konigdave@aol.com
PV2 Ubon Mendie Sgt. Chris Ferraro, 56th Bde
Journalist
SGT. PHILLIP KEYES,
2008 NY GUARD
MOBILE PAO UNIT NCO OF THE YEAR NEW TEAM MEMBER
JOINS PAO STAFF &
We are recruiting artists, writers, In the Winter 2009 issue of the WE’RE STILL
p h o t o g r a p h e r s , c a r t o o n i s t s , Sentinel, a misplaced comma in the RECRUITING!
videographers, journalists, advertis- caption under Sgt. Carl Majors'
ing men and women for the NEW photo led to confusion. Sergeant With this issue of The Sentinel,
NYG PAO team. Carl Majors was named the 88th the NY Guard Public Affairs Team
If you know anyone who wants to Brigade's NCO of the Year for welcomes PV2 Ubon Mendie.
put their creative talents to use for 2008. The NY Guard NCO of the Mendie has prior military experi-
their state and country, have them Year for 2008 is Sgt. Phillip G. ence with the US Marine Corps
contact Cpt. George Lamboy and Keyes of the 1st Battalion, 21st where he was trained as a journal-
S t a f f S g t . D a v e Ko n i g a t Regiment, 65th Brigade, NY Guard. ist. Mendie took the great photos
pao@newyorkguard.org The editor regrets any confusion. on page five and on our cover.